Module 5: 21st Century Learners/Learning

Demonstrates the pervasive nature of technology. Need for literacy beyond the ability to read/write. 21st century learners must be able to demonstrate fluency in a variety of combinations of visual, aural, and textual elements. Must be able to decode information rapidly and communicate messages in creative new formats. 21st c literacy is changing the way we teach and learn. Seen as intrinsically related to nation’s economic competitiveness and future prosperity of children/grandchildren.

Nicely connects 21st century learning to workforce development/future (0:46 – 0:50). Compares learners use of technology to teachers’ use of technology. Emphasizes the learner’s interest in participating in learning globally. Learner need to be able to engage/interact in the learning equation beyond/outside the established system as it does not allow them to participate as they want/know best how.

Need to teachers to enable learners to participate fostering 21st century skills (designer, problem solver, publisher, broadcaster, etc.).

Source: Robin Hood primary school, Birmingham, AL.

Learners are not necessary born digital but high volume digital consumers. Embracing change. Gaming/Gamer learning are very bottom line driven. Mantra: If I’m not learning, it’s not fun.

Learning the tools and skills of remaking that content (creator, producer, etc.) know learning outside of school is meaningful in school. Actively weave informal and formal learning together to maximize learning e.g. BYOD philosophy – bring out when needed, put away when don’t – it is put away when it’s not actually the best learning tool.

From cell phone and video games to Facebook and YouTube, digital media are changing the way young people play and socialize in the 21st century.

Employer/Workforce focused. Educational system industrial revolution structured for digital revolution. Emphasis on disconnected efforts in an interrelated environment. Need to make learners masters with content. Start teaching skills together rather than teach skills. Not about teaching content and skills; it is content to teach with skills.

In a world changing faster than the technology that fuels it, education too must change. We know our students need skills to be competitive in the 21st century, but what do we do to get them there.

Love this video - a short summary of some of the most important characteristics of students today. Most resounding: 1967 quote illustrative of that generation’s educational system as well as the modern system.

Created by Michael Wesch in collaboration with 200 students at Kansas State University.

Library of Congress (Mar 2008) in conjunction with State of Colorado. Video clearly outlines 21st century learning skills, uses illustrative examples being done. Our current eduction system is rooted in industrial system (3 Rs) whereas now schools must prepare learners for jobs that does not exist yet using technology not yet invented.

Most resounding statement: Content knowledge alone not sufficient. Essentials skills & knowledge (synthesizing, communicating, designing, developing). Colorado's vision sis to think about where we might be (over the horizon) not just about where we are.

Educational system change 19th-21st century school system (e.g. 19th century traditions became 20th century practices). Teaching/Learning infrastructure did not change, methods outdated. Learners are different – digital generation: globally connected, creative, collaborative, innovative, etc. To reach them, our methods have to change. Must do more to engage them. We must meet them in their learning space.

Video about the need to change pedagogy to meet the needs and expectations of 21st century learners. -

Created at http://animoto.com

Teacher-focused. Various age group learners displayed. Demonstrates various types of technology that can be integrated into the classroom.

This project was created to inspire teachers to use technology in engaging ways to help students develop higher level thinking skills.

Dated information/Still illustrative. Video on the progression of information technology (Oct 21 2008) between countries (US, India, China, etc.)
Re-occurring theme between videos (high top demand jobs, not invented yet). Catchy music.

Teacher-centered. Poses a great question: Since your students already know how to use this technology why aren’t you using it to teach? Great examples of technology integration creates meaningful connections. “How do we turn our classrooms into learning engines? Pay attention to our children’s intensely rich information experiences”.